Dodge, who was fighting leukemia and waiting a bone marrow transplant, died from the cancer early Thursday morning. His mother and aunt were by his side at their home in Baldwinsville.

“We didn’t think we would lose him so soon,” said Shawn Brown, Dodge’s aunt. “He fought bravely. He was extremely bright and smart. He wanted to go to school and be with his friends, but he never made it.”

Dodge was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2007, when he was in third grade at Van Buren Elementary School. His cancer went into remission twice and Dodge’s family was preparing for a bone marrow transplant. In August, his cancer returned and Dodge spent almost three months in the hospital. The cancer had spread to other organs and Dodge’s health deteriorated. He was home for a few weeks before he died.

For months, friends and community members worked to organize a benefit to raise money for the expenses associated with the bone marrow transplant. The benefit is set for Saturday.

“He wanted to be at the benefit,” Brown said. “We were planning on bringing him so he could see everyone.”

Organizers, with permission of Dodge’s mother, decided to continue with the benefit to raise money for Dodge’s funeral expenses.

If you go . . .

What: A benefit for Wayne Dodge

When: 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: VFW Post 153, 50 Salina St., Baldwinsville

Cost: $10

“His mom has been out of work since August to take care of him,” said Karrie Clark LaMacchia, an organizer for the benefit. “Now the family is having trouble paying for the funeral costs.”

The benefit will also contain a bone marrow drive where guests between the ages of 18 to 60 in good health can be added to the National Bone Marrow Registry. Brown said the family wanted to keep the registry as part of the benefit.

“The transplant couldn’t be done to save my nephew, but my sister said that if it’s going to help one kid, it’s worth it,” Brown said.

Dodge’s family is also asking guests to bring an unwrapped present for the children who are still at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse, where Dodge received his treatment.

The benefit features live bands, raffles, face painting, a bake sale and more. Tickets are available at Dough Boys Pizzeria on Route 370 in Baldwinsville and at the door.

Dodge is the son of Angela Brown, of Baldwinsville, and Wayne Dodge III, of Syracuse. Dodge’s calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday and his funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Both will be at Gates Funeral Home, 29 W. Genesee St., Baldwinsville.